By nature, none of us enjoys suffering. Even our Lord prayed, “Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from Me” (Luke 22:42). Paul prayed three times for God to remove his painful thorn in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7-8). But suffering is part of a faithful Christian life. Christians should not find themselves suffering because they have done wrong (1 Peter 2:20; 3:17); rather, they will sometimes suffer because they have done right and
served God. When we suffer for doing good, we share Christ’s sufferings (Philippians 3:10).

Years ago I read about a Christian who was in prison because of his faith. He was to be burned at the stake, and was certain he would never be able to endure the suffering. One night he experimented with pain by putting his little finger into a candle flame. It hurt, and he immediately withdrew it. “I will disgrace my Lord,” he said to himself. “I cannot bear the pain.” But when the hour came for him to die, he praised God and gave a noble
witness for Jesus Christ. God gave him the power when he needed it, and not before.

Claim this for yourself: “Got) did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7, NIV).

Look up and read each of the Bible verses listed in today’s reading.

Action assignment: The power God has given us is the Holy Spirit Himself. Begin to rely on this divine power, and more and more quit doing things in your own power. Ask God to give you a greater understanding of this truth.